Nova Launcher's future uncertain after major layoffs

What does this mean for Nova Launcher?

It's still too early to say for sure what the layoffs will mean for Nova Launcher's future. Officially, former team members have expressed confidence that Kevin Barry will continue to develop the app. However, it's hard not to be concerned about the impact of losing so much of the team.

One immediate consequence is the loss of customer support and PR. With only Kevin Barry left, Nova Launcher is now effectively a one-man show. Additionally, development is likely to slow down significantly. Kevin has stated that he's already working on Nova 8.1, but it will have a "cut scope compared to what was planned."

A History of Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher has been a popular choice for Android users for many years. It offers a high degree of customization, allowing users to personalize their home screens and app drawers. The app has also been praised for its performance and stability.

Branch Metrics acquired Nova Launcher in 2022. At the time, there was some skepticism about the future of the app under new ownership. However, Branch Metrics assured users that they were committed to supporting Nova Launcher and its development.

Kevin Barry's statement

In response to the layoffs, Kevin Barry released a statement on the Nova Launcher blog. He assured users that he is still committed to the app and that he will continue to control its direction and development. He also acknowledged the contributions of the former team members and thanked them for their hard work.

It remains to be seen how the layoffs will impact the app's development in the long term. Hopefully, Kevin Barry will be able to continue working on the app and bring Nova 8.1 to users as previously promised.